"Equal Opportunities Commission"

last SG · 2004-10-01T22:04:49+00:00

I never believe that all existing policies work well and need no changes. I believe many policies do not work well and therefore need to be changed. I also b...

goh meng seng SG

As a country with very diverse culture, religion and races, it is necessary for us to setup an Equal Opportunities Commission to ensure that citizens are not discriminated by any inappropriate means, be it race, langugae, religion, gender, political affiliations, nationality etc etc, especially in the job advertisements, employment practices...etc.

The Commission will be tasked with the power to investigate and censure employers that discriminate their employees or jobseekers by any of these means. The Commission will be tasked with the power to carry out social justice by bringing errant employers or companies to justice if by means of thorough investigations, found them to be guilty of discriminatory practices.

Goh Meng Seng

tkw88 SG

There is an Equal Opportunities Commission in Hong Kong.

InnoHippo SG

it is nice to have .....

but can scare investors away Crying or Very sad

goh meng seng SG

Yes, that's true. For a seemingly homogeneus society like Hong Kong, they do have Equal Opportunities Commission in Hong Kong.

But this Equal Opportunities Commission in Hong Kong doesn't scare away foreign investors, as some suggested that.

In fact, some foreign investors are very particular about human rights. Just like Disney. They demanded that any factory that is licensed to produce their merchandise, must adhere to certain human right conducts. There is a list of rules stipulated for these factories. Wink

Goh Meng Seng

burntan SG

If this “Equal Opportunities Commission” setup in Malaysia then I can expect more “unequal” policy come out from this commission….

The Barracuda SG

What kind of discrimination are you talking about ? Can you be more specific ?

goh meng seng SG

First of all, I wish to know whether you think there is any discriminatory practices in the market or not?

Secondly, I have already made a few points in my previous posting; people shouldn't be discriminated by their race, language, religion, gender, political affiliations, social status/background or anything that doesn't have any connections to his/her abilities to work in that capacity.

The most common complains we have from the minority groups are discriminatory practices existing in Singapore labour market. Some companies discriminated against Male Singaporeans, due to disruptions caused by reservist. Some companies discriminated against women especially those married women who are thinking about giving birth. Some organization just refuse to employ people of different religious beliefs. Of course, more often than not, there are employers who discriminated against people who join opposition politics! Wink

Unless you are going to tell me that none of the above ever exist, then I think there is a need to set up a commission to look into all these bad practices.

Goh Meng Seng

paperchicken SG

Is there really discrimination ? The employer have their own reason not to hire also. By being "fair" to the worker you are not being "fair" to the employer.

A commision sounds so cumbersome and full of red tape. Wouldn't it be a waste of tax payers money ?

sgdiehard SG

It will be difficult to judge discrimination. A singaporean of minority race complained about my friends company for recruiting for chinese only. But this is a must because 80% of the company's business come from china and taiwan. Another one complain about religious discrimination against a christian organisation recruiting a staff to promote christian books and VCD to churches and this guy is a muslim. How to tell if there is discrimination? what justify even an investigation? you may end up going in circles.

Today, there are many indiscriminate dismissals of workers and executives, sometimes in the name of retrenchment, early retirement.....all for greater profits for the shareholders. Compensation varies from company to company. Some companies offer one month per year, based on yr employment contract what you get is at company's mercy. There is no protection from the government or the law against such practice. This problem is certainly more serious than social discrimination. Don't think there is any legal protection for these workers/executives, but an independent commission can bring the bad companies to the public, creating publicity.....make the companies think twice before they take the easy way out in company reorgn.

The other one you might want to consider: "what justify employment of FT? are locals really discriminated against because of old age or high costs?

robertteh SG

If people are to have a sense of commitment and take root in Singapore, they will need a great deal of assurance that all business and jobs opportunities are open and available to all citizens who are qualified and in possession of the right skills.

The Networking system often talked about in public media is full of discrimination. There is no guarantee that jobs, business opportunities and promotions will not be influenced by party or grass root loyalty. To be truly open and competitive based on real merits and abilities, the whole process of filling jobs in public and private sector so that such process will be more open, accountable and transparent.

An Equal Opportunity Commission will go a long way to promoting equality, and minimize discriminations whether on religious, language, associations or other grounds.

Such a commission will instill foreign investors' confidence as they can truly see that people will be more committed and united and Singapore becoming more maturing. Laughing

paperchicken SG

Fair ? Who will be the judge ?

If the employee is dismiss because of poor performance then go kpkb to the commission is it fair then ?

sgdiehard SG

Only Singaporean who take root and have a sense of commitment in Singapore are entitled to talk about equality in singaporean. Those who do not take root and have no sense of commit should continue to stand outside and talk.

robertteh SG

Let an independent panel be the judge. Frivolous claims on discriminations can be easily dismissed.

Look at what Singapore needs at this point. Look at the big picture. Don't just keep saying that I have food and I have water. Man cannot live by bread alone.

An Equal Opportunity Committee is not something unreasonable proposed by opposition. In fact anyone who has Singapore's future at heart should propose it to check on the executive seemingly unended power.

People should decide whether to have accountability and transparency or continue to bear with presumptuous "we know better than all" governance by one party. Rolling Eyes

goh meng seng SG

This concept is not an "original" idea from me. It is practiced here in Hong Kong. The head of the panel is a retired judge.

There is a committee or panel to deal with cases of such. It is precisely due to the sensitivity of discrimination practices that we need to set up such a commission. In Singapore's context, the panel will naturally consist of minority representatives and Chinese. Preferrably, these people should have some form of law training. There will be a group of civil servants who will assist in investigations and data collection.

As I have said, if the company really deal solely with China, then it is a legitimate reason as language ability will become a necessary skill. However, if any Malay or Indian could speak very Fluent Mandarin, I don't see why he or she should be deprived of the job opportunity!

But believe me, there are employers who are just using language skill on a discrimination basis. Thus, it is up to the commission to investigate and decide on "grey areas" like this! That's precisely why such commission is necessary.

Goh Meng Seng

burntan SG

Definately it will be difficult.....but that shouldn't be a reason not to do it.

sgdiehard SG

Recognising the difficulties make you think to do better. Not recognising the difficulties will end up going in circles. Charging ahead without looking at the problem make you a bull or a cow!! Laughing

paperchicken SG

I agreed.

Anyway employees who feel that they have been discriminate against can complain to MOM or sue the employer through civil action. There's no need for another commission to waste taxpayer's money. Neutral

burntan SG

I agreed!
Everything starting is difficult, but it is better to start and solve the problem along the way, rather than just sit there and think what problems may arise.

paperchicken SG

There are other ways of solving the problem. we dun need another commission. Rolling Eyes

robertteh SG

To: Paperchicken,

MOM has been unable to solve many problems. Many employees are unable to claim fair compensations in the event of discriminatroy practices.

Apart from unionized employees under collective agreements provide, (1) Any employer can dismiss an employee without disclosing any reason by contractual termination (2) Malpractices are rift in administration of wages, promotion, 13th month's bonus or retrenchment benefits (3) Recruitments or promotion based on connections, language, race or religion.

Can Singaporeans expect MOM which itself is granting of liberal rights to engage foreigners without restrain to fend for their rights from discriminations by employers.

An independent panel or commission will be more helpful accountable and transparent. Such a panel should be given the right to check or expose discriminations in public sector appointments or promotion as well to avoid employing people based on connections. Laughing